State lawmakers pass bill to grade public schools

Thursday

ATLANTA - Georgia lawmakers have passed legislation that would give grades to schools based on how their students perform.

Senate Bill 410 now goes back to the Senate for final approval before heading to the governor's desk.

The legislation is modeled after a similar system in Florida created by former Gov. Jeb Bush. Senate President Pro Tem Tommie Williams, the lead sponsor on the bill, said the grading system would give parents and the public a clear idea of how schools are doing.

It would also create incentives for schools to improve performance.

The grading system would tie into the state's recently approved federal waiver from the No Child Left Behind law. Opponents say the bill ignores the performance of subgroups like minority and special needs students.

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